The Professional Automotive Training Center - Dealer Training Academy at Shoreline
Community College is the premier automotive technician program in the U.S. The Center
and its industry partners originated this innovative model that integrates education
with hands-on workplace experience.

Every student in one of the four factory-sponsored programs is sponsored by a local
automobile dealership. Students are in a cycle of 11 weeks (one academic quarter)
at the Center, then 11 weeks in their dealership throughout the two-year program.
Students can graduate with a two-year Applied Associate in Arts and Sciences degree
as well as numerous manufacturer-specific training certificates.

The General Service Technician (GST) program is a shorter, non-manufacturer specific
program. GST students attend two quarters at the Center followed by one quarter in
a workplace setting. GST students receive a certificate of proficiency.

What you need to be accepted:

Instructor permission

Valid driver's license

Automotive skills tests

Proof of insurability

Many dealers require drug testing

Career Opportunities

Today's automotive technician is not just a "mechanic." The electronic and mechanical
sophistication of today's vehicles, along with hybrids and full-electric vehicles,
means these jobs are highly technical.

A U.S. Dept of Labor study predicts that need for automotive technicians will continue to grow "even through
downturns in the economy."

The average Automotive Technician salary for the region ranges from $50,000 to $52,000,
depending on location and the individual's production abilities. Often, technicians
move into other areas of the automotive industry, including parts, sales, finance
and insurance, management, and marketing.

Because programs at the Center are so closely tied to the industry, the job-placement
rate for graduates is high, approaching 100 percent.